Horace Mann announces Community Spirit Award recipient

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (March 13, 2017) –Horace Mann named Patty Sutherd of Springfield its 2016 Community Spirit Award recipient at its Employee Meeting last week. Sutherd is recognized for her dedication to serving local organizations, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Helping Hands, Bark for Life, Animal Protective League, Family Service Center and Bethesda Lutheran Home.

Each year, Horace Mann celebrates employees and agents whose volunteer work is making a difference in their communities. Sutherd received $1,500 to donate to her charities, while the remaining three finalists — Jim Daugherty, Linda Ethell and Lori Maltby — each received $250 to donate to their charities.

Sutherd said she was motivated to volunteer for American Cancer Society fundraisers as a commitment to friends and co-workers who battled the disease, including Brian Austin, who passed away in 2014.“I want to be part of finding the cure for the disease, so others don’t have to lose their loved ones and know the loss of losing their Brian.”

Sutherd is one of the leaders for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life team “Brian’s Avengers.” She is also a co-leader of the ACS Bark for Life event. The event has grown from bringing in $500 to raising $7,000 last year.

“We never know when we are going to be the one who needs help,” said Sutherd. “I think all of us should pay it forward in one way or another—be it time, money or just a hug to someone who needs it.”

Sutherd has designated Horace Mann’s $1,500 donation for the American Cancer Society. She also received a corporate gift and a commemorative plaque. Two other Community Spirit Award finalists, Ethell and Maltby, have also designated their donations to the American Cancer Society. Daugherty’s will go to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 54 in Petersburg for their scholarship fund.

About Horace Mann

Horace Mann (Horace Mann Educators Corp. (NYSE:HMN)) is the largest national multiline insurance company focusing on educators' financial needs. Horace Mann provides auto and homeowners insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial solutions. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information about the company, visit horacemann.com.